Mildred "Ruth" Grodt
August 08, 1928 — November 09, 2024
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Ruth Grodt, 96, passed away from congestive heart failure on November 9, 2024 at Walnut Ridge Senior Living Center in Clive, Iowa.
Ruth was born August 8, 1928 to George and Mildred (Jorgensen) Weeks in Hampton, Iowa. Graduating from East Des Moines High in 1946, she married Edward Dale Grodt in 1951. Living in Nebraska, Mississippi, Alabama and New Jersey, she returned to her beloved Iowa when she and Ed retired. Ruth was a realtor for Sherlock Realty; then a secretary at Pemkay Furniture, working her way up to Office Manager and then to Vice President. She loved card games and played Mahjong and Contract Bridge; and taught Bridge until her death. She was active in the East High 1946 alumni, organizing their reunions for decades.
She was smart, energetic, friendly and kind. Everyone loved her. A real spitfire, she enjoyed the outdoors and traveling, as well as tennis, swimming and golf. Ruth was deeply involved with her children’s education and activities. She also enjoyed hosting her family on holidays, preparing memorable and festive meals.
She is survived by her son, Thomas (Bonnie) Grodt; grandchildren, Holly Grodt, Lilly Grodt, and Andrea O’Berry; great-grandson, Addicus O’ Berry; sister, Sylvia Rossman; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Ruth was predeceased by her sister, Mary Carol Weeks, her brother, Warren Francis Weeks, her daughter, Amy Caroline Deming, and her husband of 64 years, Edward Grodt.
A graveside memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Grace United Methodist Church in memory of Ruth.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Sandy Klever
12/20/2024
I had the privilege of taking care of Ruth while she was at Kavanagh House. During the course of our conversations we talked about where we lived which led to her knowing East High graduates. She asked who my mom was and I said Lorene Smith. She said, "Cookie?" She knew my mom's nickname in high school and she knew my mom and my dad before they even married. She said my dad was a handsome guy and quiet while my mom was outgoing and fun. No one had ever told me that!!! My mom would have been 96 just like Ruth. What a gem. The next day I took her the East High Quills that my parents had saved up to her. We looked through them and she told me she worked on them and also organized the reunions. She had a twin sister who died early.
I'm so sorry she passed but she gave me a great gift of information about my early parents' lives at East High.
Kathy Johnson Kahler
12/16/2024
Ruth was a gem!
She was an active East High Alum! Ruth and her husband helped plan/organize/execute the EHS annual all-school reunions for many, many years.
Always pleasant, always cheerful and will be missed by many!
Mary Sloan
12/01/2024
Ruth was a dear friend of my parents who stepped in as surrogate parent to me after their deaths. I loved her quick wit; genuine interest in others, sports and public affairs; sage advice; loyalty to friends; patience as a bridge instructor; and partiality toward chocolate.
Ruth was so very appreciative of the time, assistance, attentiveness and friendship of her granddaughter Andrea, who helped Ruth in so many ways to maintain her style and dignity during the years I knew Ruth.
I will always admire Ruth for her ability to accept her circumstances, keep cheerful outlooks, and make the best of challenging situations clear to the end. I already miss Ruth immensely.